Obanma's introduction ceremony had been blissful regardless of the negating factors that almost caused a setback.

Onyedikachi had shouldered his responsibility of bringing his Umunna to Umuikpo with his grandfather who seemed to be ecstatic.

Chidiogo had done her part at home albeit sluggishly but effectively. She took charge of providing suitable accommodation for the men and had also reached out to the women's group in her village with the traditional marriage in foresight.

Ngozi and Agatha played their part in the preparations and also reaching out to the women group despite their terrible attitude towards the sisters.

Chidiogo avoided Ngozi at all costs and limited their conversations to questions about the event. Chijioke had stood in for his father and had contacted his uncles who were willing to avail themselves of the event.

Onyedikachi had finally broached the topic of taking Ngozi to meet the man who stabbed her son, and despite being terrified she agreed it was a risk she was willing to take. She needed to find out about the man responsible for her misfortune.

Obanma although stressed and tired almost died of anticipation as she could hardly believe she was going to get married to Onyedikachi.

Oluchi had promised to come even though Obanma had tried to dissuade her. Eberechi had postponed her coming to the day of the main event. Kelechi had been the only one available from the start and she had been solely been employed by Onyedikachi to make his woman look beautiful.

Obanma had been surprised when Obiora had appeared on the eve before her introduction ceremony requesting for her audience. Strangely Kelechi had tagged along and seemed quite nervous when they got into the king's car.

"I'd like to congratulate you on the engagement" he had begun on an elated note holding her gaze.

She had thanked him immediately still wary of his intent.

"I must tell you something very important" He had continued struggling with his words, something she hadn't known him for. His gaze wavered from hers and held Kelechi's for a while who took in a deep breath.

"He is the lecturer I've been seeing" Kelechi blurted out leaving Obanma's mouth hanging open. "Well the supposed lecturer actually" She corrected

"He's the gini?" She had managed to ask trying hard to regain composure. The revelation had been a huge shock and she still couldn't wrap her head around it.
How could she not have noticed?

"I am really sorry for keeping this from you. We didn't plan for anything to happen between us and we've been very discreet about our relationship. I didn't really know how you'd take it considering how he had been ... you know"

"Really? Kelechi you should have told me and trust me when I say this, I have never felt anything for him, it has been Onyi from the start"

"Obanma It is out of respect that we faltered on this one part but I do promise you that my intentions are pure towards her"

Obanma couldn't help the smile that tugged her chin as the king spoke. "I am not her father you know and truly it is not your intentions that I'm worried about rather the very reasons behind that intention. The pressure to be settled down has been weighing you down for ages who is to say that you truly want to be with Kelechi and not just use her as a means to settle your problem?"

Kelechi seemed stunned by Obanma's utterance and sought to remedy the situation by coming to Obiora's defense but he made her understand that he took no offense at Obanma's words.

"You were always quite direct with your words" he began on a lighter note with a certain twinkling in his eyes that denoted how amused he was by her fiendishly protective ways.

"I am a desperate man but I am no monster and certainly not a fool. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. And when I had broached this topic of marriage to your friend, she suggested letting you go and I truly wished I had listened earlier. it is no doubt that you love Onyekachi dearly and would never have accepted my proposal. Kelechi opted to help me out by becoming my wife"

Obanma chose to ignore his mispronunciation but couldn't quite understand what the king was insinuating and Kelechi's silence was deafening. Obanma turned to her roommate and friend in utter disbelief

"I believe what Obiora is trying to say is that this is some sort of arranged marriage"

Obanma's jaw nearly fell to the ground as the words left Kelechi's lips.

"We started going out to get to know each other more and I do believe by the time we are married we would have reached the love junction"

The king concurred with a nod while Kelechi smiled.

"Are you seriously considering this? Are you pressuring her into Marriage?" She turned Obiora with a huge scowl.

"Do you believe that I can coerce Kelechi into anything? He enquired as his eyes narrowed out of concern

"She just said you both will head to the love junction after marriage? Does that sound right to you?"

Kelechi reached out to Obanma and held her hand which seemed to assuage her emotions briefly. " You know me well Oba... I gave this a lot of thought and trust me it feels right. I know it doesn't make much sense to you and you're probably feeling like you need to shake sense into me but that is not the case. Not all of us are as lucky as you are when it comes to love. Some of us find it the easy way and some just fight it out. Obiora is a good man and I know he will take care of me and maybe I need him just as much as he needs me."

"Don't you think you're giving up on love too soon? what if you two don't end up falling in love with each other? Have you thought about all that? Is marriage not too soon? You do know what it entails to be married to him, the responsibilities. What about your dreams? The makeup studio and all"

Kelechi couldn't help the pensive look that overcame her but she knew her mind was made up. "You worry too much you know and right now you sound just like I did when you told me about handsome pocket's proposal. Obanma everything is going to be alright. Obiora understands the kind of lady that I am and I find him intriguing."

"I will take care of her, I promise"

Doubtful yet quite hopeful Obanma held her words. "I" ll hold you to your words, your highness"

"I am so sorry for springing this up, on you now and I hope you don't feel like I am a horrible friend"

"Certainly not mba nu, you're like a sister to me"

"Thank you so much for understanding Obanmanjuru" Obiora had declared as the two ladies stepped out of the vehicle. He had helped both ladies out of the car and was pleased that things had turned out just the way he had expected.

Onyedikachi had arrived just when the king drove out and had met his bride to be with gifts he had acquired just for her. He loved that he could now enter Iheanyi's compound and leave at will, that all that had been once forbidden was no longer a barrier. Arinze had been the one who had unlocked the gate that connected both compounds in their backyard and Onyedikachi had watched on with a pleasing grin.

Olivia seemed just as happy as he was when they arrived at their family house and even she had left to help Chidiogo out she couldn't help reminding both her husband and her brother-in-law of the memories that had flooded her. She had rambled on about her marriage and how happy they were when their daughter had been born. She had left teary-eyed and even more anxious of how the birth of their next child would be.

Nostalgia wasn't always a feeling Onyedikachi liked to associate with himself but driving through the village with the gifts in his car, a picture of his elated grandfather in his mind made him wish his father was still alive. Had he also suspected his feelings for Obanma? He knew his father wouldn't have opposed his wedding because he loved the children dearly.

Onyedikachi Couldn't help the memory of his father and more driving with reckless abandon with Ngozi howling behind in the vehicle and a clueless young version of him with glossy eyes wondering how soon they would stop to help the woman.

He had hesitantly reached out to hold her palm as she breathed in heavily but doubted it helped in any way but rather made the screaming worse.

"Ndo" He had blurted out still reaching out to help Ngozi

He often wondered if his parents were even aware he had entered the vehicle with them even though he had been the one who spotted Ngozi in distress.

Ngozi barely smiled at him but let out a small gasp when he reached out and held her protruded stomach. Onyedikachi snapped out of his thoughts as he arrived at the compound. He enjoyed how some of the village women waved at him excitedly and also congratulated him but most especially he was pleased that what he dreamt of was coming to pass.

He met Obanma with a smile and had teased Kelechi of being his second wife when he had also handed a package to her.

"How is the most beautiful bride in the whole world? Eh O malicha m" He drew Obanma into his arms and relished the fact that she fit so well being molded to his body.

"Waiting for one Anambra man to whisk me away" She had replied basking in the warmth of his embrace.

"Eh kwa so now you're cheating on me? Who's that man? Does he know who I am?" Obanma chuckled as he held her face in his palms and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

She pursed her lips and managed a false scowl even though all she wanted to do was laugh at Onyedikachi feigning a sad expression.

"You know it's just this my rover that my heart beats for"

Onyedikachi trailed kisses on her face and finally broke away from her to hand her gift to her. Obanma looked ecstatic as she asked in a somewhat sultry tone. " Already buying me off with gifts to get me into your bed again?"

He chuckled loudly holding her gaze for a moment and admiring once again how beautiful she was. "We know perfectly well that I don't need gifts to get you in there." Trailing his finger along her spine he whispered huskily into her ears "But! I want everything to be perfect for you so I'm going to let this handsome tiger keep his seductive skills to himself"

"I'm beginning to reconsider your proposal" She taunted as he led her away from the compound. "Tigers are not so friendly, they devour humans"

"Exactly why you need this man who is madly in love with you Ada m, You need to be devoured like a tasty meal every day. I buy you chocolate so that I can eat you as one" Onyedikachi made an animalistic sound, a poor attempt at mimicking a tiger as he attacked her neck.

They walked hand in hand along the road they had trailed years ago smiling at how much fun, they all seemed to have as children.

"Papa Nnukwu thinks that I should bring you to stay with him for a while after the wedding, It was a request I couldn't answer without consulting with you first" Obanma could tell he was nervous with the way he barely held her gaze as the question left his lips.

She reached out to smoothen an invisible crease on his shoulder, then stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on his lips wearing an enticing smile.

"I'd love to spend time with papa Nnukwu. You know I think he does get very lonely back in the village. But it will only be after our honeymoon"

Onyedikachi's eyes lit up at the mention of their honeymoon and he pulled her closer to himself then kissed her thoroughly.

They had walked a considerable distance before Obanma realized that they had been circling about the places they used to visit as children. She could smile and tease him each time he pointed out things she had done as a child with his help and that of her late twin.

Onyedikachi hadn't been sure at first about the route to the bush where the parrot had once driven him but he followed his instincts. Obanma couldn't quite figure out the reason behind their tour but she enjoyed herself regardless. it had been a good break from the stress and endless preparation of her marriage.

"Onyi are you taking me to my slaughter?" She had teased as they trod on the grasses and leaves that carpeted the bush. With his hands linked to hers protectively.

"Yes, I am. I am going to sacrifice you to the gods" The pair couldn't help but chuckle as they felt like children taking an adventure once again.

Onyedikachi was pleased to see the Achicha tree standing boldly between them after minutes of burrowing around the bush. Obanma had quickly withdrawn her hand as she stood just staring at the tree. She closed her eyes briefly as memories of her brother struggling to hold her in place came flooding back.

She moved closer to the tree and simply place her hand on it. Obanma could hear his giggles and playful voice as if he stood before her. She tried so hard not to remember the image of him limp and lifeless in her mother's hands with blood dripping on the floor. Her eyes closed almost immediately and the tears fell

Onyedikachi moved closer to where she stood feeling almost the same way as she did, he placed his hand on her shoulder which seemed oblivious to her as she wept slowly. And when she expelled all her emotions she opened her to see him holding a pod of the fruit which he placed into her hand.

" Mma I choro ita achicha? Do you want to eat achicha?"

She quickly wiped her tears and nodded with a smile. And as she took a bite after peeling it she couldn't help but burst into a peal of almost hysterical laughter accompanied with tears.

He pulled her closer to him and wrapped his hands around her while began to sob anew. " Mma It is okay...inu"

"I just can't help but imagine how he would have been if he were here you know. And this place is special to me.... It w.w...was the last place I held him before he died.

"I know Mma, I know " He gently pulled away from her and wiped the tears that hung on her cheek. " I wish he were alive too because it would have been better to do this"

Her brows rose as she tried to make meaning out of what he had said."Do what?"

He only smiled at her and turned to the tree. "I've always felt we were enemies, he and I. Because after he died it felt like he wanted to take you with him. I had vowed as a young boy that I wouldn't lose this fight and now I've realized that I've been going about it the wrong way. I thought about things a lot Mma and I know for certain that I would die without you but most importantly, I would die for you.

Terrified, she moved closer to where he stood and held his face, searching his eyes for answers. " O gini? is there a problem Onyi? Why are you sounding like this?"

"I know what Obinna means to you and what you meant to him, which is why I came to make peace and ask for his blessings too"

She seemed taken aback for minutes as she stood motionless just staring at his face. She had never thought of that and didn't feel there was a need for it.

"Trust me Mma, this is necessary" He turned to the tree and reached out his hand to touch the bark closest to where they stood.
"Obinna this was the last place I met you alive and I remember how pleased you were when I got the achicha for you and Mma"

Obanma moved closer to him and linked her fingers in his. "This tree is significant to the three of us because we shared a moment just here. Obinna I have loved Mma for a very long time and maybe more than you did love her. I want to marry her, build a home with her and I know that as her brother you would have wanted the same for her. You don't want to take her, it would mean you didn't care enough for her and that is not true. You love her that was why you saved her that night at my house. You led her out of the room just in time.

Obinna I am pleading as a friend and as someone who is madly in love with your sister. Please let her stay .... but if you decide that you want her so badly then I'd suggest that you get ready to get me instead because I would die a thousand times for her"

Obanma squeezed his hand as he made his utterance then quickly captured his face in her hands "You're not going to die for me"

Onyedikachi offered a small smile then sealed their conversation with a kiss. He led his lover out of the bush and met a stranger who seemed familiar but looked rather suspicious as he trod the same path as them.

"Obanma!" The strange man had beckoned on Mma who stopped immediately while Onyedikachi held her protectively to his side. He knew of the stares and talks iheanyi's family and the threat of the insane man that loomed around.

"Do I know you?" She had asked as he moved closer to them

"Yes, you do. I had once accused you of theft in the past and I never got a chance to apologize for my stupidity. What I did was terribly wrong and I hope that you do forgive me."

"Ekene?"

Obanma had whispered watching how different the young man looked. The years hadn't been too kind to him and his eyes seemed sunken. The beards on his face made him look older than he actually was.

He nodded at the sound of his name, still reticent to look at Onyi's face.

"Congratulations to the both of you" He finally declared as he walked away without waiting to hear from the couple.

Obanma felt a pang of guilt watching him leave because she hadn't made any attempt to make a conversation with him and neither had Onyedikachi who seemed to have a permanent scowl on his face.

"He probably thinks I hate him for what he did"

"It doesn't matter Mma, you don't hate him..do you?"

"No..I don't. I just feel bad for him .. it's strange"

"Did I ever tell you that I once beat him up when we were younger? It was after the incident with the groundnut."

Obanma seemed surprised when he mentioned what he did and felt it was probably the reason for the awkwardness between the pair.

"That doesn't seem like you, Onyi"

"I was just too angry that he got away with what he did and that I was too much of a coward to defend you. Staring into your eyes after I had lied, I saw how devastated you were and it did break me. It haunted me and I never want to see that look on your face ever"

"It's all in the past now Onyi, all we have to do now is focus on what lies ahead. Onyedikachi Onwuegbusi, we will be happy ..you and I"

"And I can't wait for you to become my wife"

Obanma had mentioned the king's proposal and he seemed baffled about it but strangely pleased with the result.

He had told Obanm that the decision was solely Kelechi's to make irrespective of how she felt the situation.

The couple spent ample time together before it was time for Onyedikachi to retire for the night.

The next morning came swiftly with celebration as Onyedikachi and his people came for the introduction rites. Filled with joy and emotion Obanma teared up as the two families were seated opposite each other discussing the intent of Onyedikachi.

Onyedikachi and Papa Nnukwu had been the most welcoming and even Arinze seemed pleased. Chidiogo however hardly smiled, despite the many jestful talks by the elders. She could only think of her husband's absence and how he had fallen in the same compound that they had come to merry

Their traditional rites were carried out and Chijioke who seemed satisfied with some of the elders and uncles officially recognized Onyedikachi as a suitor.

Hello Everyone

How are we ? I must apologize for stalling on my updates. I have been on this particular chapter for weeks due to the activities I've been choked with. I will be making more updates from now on.